Councillor updates from Cr Jason Martin

We've now reached the halfway point of the current Council term, and it’s a good moment to reflect on where things stand and to thank residents for their ongoing engagement. 

Rate notices have recently landed in letterboxes, and I know cost-of-living pressures are front of mind for many households. Council remains committed to a financially responsible budget, delivering the core services residents rely on for roads, footpaths, drainage and sporting facilities among them, while living within our means. Managing these demands is genuinely extensive, and it’s a balance we take seriously. 

On roads specifically, I've had a number of residents raise potholes on Mahoneys Road, Canterbury Road, Station Street and Middleborough Road. These are state roads, and while we’d love to see them fixed, Council isn’t funded to carry out these repairs. What we do is report every issue to the Department of Transport. If you spot a pothole on a local road where Council is responsible, please report it directly to our customer service team or via Snap Send Solve, and we’ll respond. 

It’s no surprise that many small businesses and sole traders across Whitehorse are doing it tough at present, and supporting them locally matters more than ever. 

Planning is also shifting; with State Government announcing that developments of up to 4 homes on a single lot are to be fast-tracked to a 10-businessday approval process. These changes are expected to be in place from October 2026. 
A change worth keeping an eye on as our neighbourhoods evolve. 

I’ve genuinely enjoyed seeing Mayor Cr Langford out in the community and active in the media, advocating for Whitehorse. It’s Council’s job to go into bat for our community, today and tomorrow. As your local representative for Mahoneys Ward, I will always represent the best interests of all residents in Whitehorse. 

Lastly, I also want to thank residents who take the time to share ideas, particularly around our parks. As your local Councillor, I receive many emails and calls covering a wide variety of issues, and I always appreciate hearing from you. Please keep those queries coming – I'm always glad to help however I can.